Last year, the worldwide travel and tourism market reached roughly $875 billion, with an expected annual growth rate of more than 4%, according to Statista. The global exhibition and trade show market is also on an upswing, projected in 2024 to finish 7% higher than its 2019 size, according to business consulting company Stax.
It’s a passport to profits for distributors – who can help outfit end-users with the right apparel for any occasion, whether it’s something comfy enough to make air travel bearable, rugged enough to withstand an overnight stay at a national park or protective enough to keep sunburns at bay while lounging on the bay.
We sent our models Brianna and Patrick on a journey across the country with layovers at the beach, a scenic campground, a frenetic music festival, a bustling trade show floor and a romantic night out. Though the pair never actually left our photo studio, Art Director Hillary Glen used generative artificial intelligence to create stylized backdrops – each a “wish you were here” postcard to an imagined destination, perfectly showcasing the travel-ready apparel and accessories available from a slew of industry suppliers.
Rack up the frequent flyer miles – without looking rumpled – by layering athleisure staples in elevated neutrals. And ensure travelers are red-eye ready with a comfy custom neck pillow.
Patrick is wearing a henley tee (BM3101) from Boxercraft (asi/41325); men’s traveler vest (3150D) and trendsetter joggers (2993) from Storm Creek Apparel (asi/89879); and an everywhere belt bag (BAG500) from Tekweld (asi/90807). He’s carrying a travel duffle (543) and hoodie neck pillow (539) from Whiteridge Inc. (asi/97061).
Brianna is wearing a leopard print sherpa crew (9028) from Charles River Apparel (asi/44620); women’s trendsetter jogger (2994) and explorer belt bag (1060) from Storm Creek Apparel (asi/89879); and slippers (457) from Whiteridge Inc. (asi/97061). She’s also carrying textured rolling luggage (554) from Whiteridge Inc. and a custom neck pillow (PNS-0053) from LBU Inc. (asi/65952).
Whether it’s a getaway to an all-inclusive Caribbean resort or just a day trip to the boardwalk, a beach vacation is the perfect opportunity for bright and bold branded merch.
Brianna is wearing an all-over sublimated one-piece bathing suit (OP200) from FPS Apparel (asi/53475); ladies Toyo braid sun hat (8233) from Mega Cap (asi/70434); and linen summer beach shoes (IPPP207) from I Promotion Pro (asi/62098).
Patrick is wearing flip-flops with neoprene straps (MLBU) from The Kanata Group (asi/73520); swim trunks (SUB_CS_STRUNK) from In Your Face Apparel (asi/62494); sightseer hoodie (1570) from Storm Creek Apparel (asi/89879); and the Imperial mahalo cap (4065) from Sportsman Cap & Bag (asi/88877).
Also pictured: Bahama beach chair (780C) from AAA Innovations (asi/30023); translucent beach ball (JK-9096) from Jornik (asi/63549); Turkish towel (RT007) from Riviera Towel Co. (asi/82647); custom tote from LBU Inc. (asi/65952); and bottle cooler with removable bottle openers (46258) from Koozie Group (asi/40480).
More than 15.7 billion people have visited a U.S. national park since 1904. Make sure they’re happy campers with outdoor essentials, from flannel-lined “shackets” and zip-up vests to center-focus binoculars and retro campfire mugs.
Brianna is wearing a canvas shirt jacket (7341) from Vantage Apparel (asi/93390); women’s quarter zip (1895) from Storm Creek Apparel (asi/89879); moisture-wicking leggings (5829) from Charles River Apparel (asi/44620); custom tennis shoes (CPS-SCO) from Sock101 (asi/88071); and The Game rugged blend cap (GB425) from Sportsman Cap & Bag (asi/88877).
Patrick is wearing a cotton twill and mesh cap (I-200M) from Paramount Headwear (asi/75945); Mercer+Mettle stretch pique full-button polo (8442) from SanMar (asi/84863); diamond textured vest (3135) from Vantage Apparel (asi/93390); and men’s adventure joggers (9587) from Charles River Apparel (asi/44620).
Also pictured: campfire mug (BTL117) and lantern (LANT100) from Tekweld (asi/90807); center-focus binoculars (5720) from Compass Industries (asi/46170); picnic blanket (404) and festival chair (827) from Whiteridge Inc. (asi/97061).
Some have dubbed 2023 the year of the “tourdrobe,” with pop fans going all out for Taylor Swift and Beyoncé shows and sharing their attire on #GetReadyWithMe TikToks. Concert-going looks are sure to rule 2024 as well.
Patrick is wearing a tie-dye pullover hoodie (3555CTD) and unisex fashion terry shorts (11035) from Royal Apparel (asi/83731); a clear fanny pack (FPCL03) from ImprintID (asi/73651); and metallic sunglasses (SG500) from Tekweld (asi/90807).
Brianna is wearing a spaghetti strap tank (1012) from Bella+Canvas (asi/39590); ladies cropped hooded sweatshirt (CD8333) from alphabroder (asi/34063); biker shorts (1010) from Royal Apparel (asi/83731); light-up shoes (CPS-GL) from Sock101 (asi/88071); and a clear mini backpack (100492) from Gemline (asi/56070) with a zippered pouch (CBS-9213) inside from LBU Inc. (asi/65952).
Is there such a thing as trade show chic? Give button-downs and khakis a fresh look by rolling up the sleeves and cuffing the hems. Ties are optional, but foot-friendly kicks are essential.
Patrick is wearing a Mercer+Mettle long-sleeve stretch woven shirt (MM2000) from SanMar (asi/84863); a digital-print polyester tie (PDT-8) from Buffalo Bay (asi/42416); a lanyard (DSJ17-198) from Wov-In (asi/92980); and holding a Travis & Wells padfolio (101433) from Gemline (asi/56070).
Brianna is wearing a stretch woven gingham shirt (B5291) from Burnside/Sierra Pacific (asi/87224); women’s traveler vest (3155) from Storm Creek Apparel (asi/89879); Travis & Wells laptop tote (100208) from Gemline (asi/56070); and a dye-sublimated lanyard (LS34MST) from SnugZ USA (asi/88060).
Perhaps it’s a weekend getaway to wine country – or maybe it’s just dinner and a movie, sans children. Keep the romance alive with signature pieces, like a striped quarter-zip or a boxy quilted jacket.
Brianna is wearing a polyester digital print chiffon infinity scarf (1070PSD-6) from Buffalo Bay (asi/42416); weekend boxy crop (55111) from Royal Apparel (asi/83731); cotton midi dress (BW4201) from Boxercraft (asi/41325); Mercer+Mettle boxy quilted jacket (MM7021) from SanMar (asi/84863); and linen summer beach shoes (IPPP207) from I Promotion Pro (asi/62098).
Patrick is wearing a sweatshirt knit pullover (9359S) from Charles River Apparel (asi/44620); and a double-barrel canvas backpack (sd22803) from SnugZ USA (asi/88060).